Students vs Jobs

According to a survey on marketwatch.com, 80% of high school students had a part time job in 2013. At Duxbury High School, this statistic is held true by the amount of students employed.

Many students who have a part time job are on a tight schedule. They work after school and on weekends. Senior Colleen D. is employed at Dunkin Donuts. Colleen said, “I work four days a week; each shift being six to seven hours.” Junior Cassie H., who works at Cravings, said, “I could work anywhere from six hours a week to sixteen. A shift after school is about three or four hours, whereas on the weekends I’ve had seven hour shifts.”

Some students only work on the weekends. This allows extra time for homework during the week. Senior Ethan J. said, “I work on the weekends during the spring and fall.” Ethan works as a referee for MASC soccer. Senior Mike T. works on the greens crew for the Duxbury Yacht Club. Mike said, “I work during the late spring and through the summer, so there isn’t really homework which is awesome!”

Unfortunately, some students aren’t as lucky with homework. Senior Meghan M. is in between jobs. She recently worked at The Village, which is a retirement home in Duxbury. Meghan said, “I would do my homework when I got home. I would start at 9:30 p.m. and probably be done by 10:30.” Senior Olivia Z., who also works at The Village, said, “I do my homework after 9:00 p.m. and I usually have lots.” Junior Mickey W. works at French Memories. Mickey said, “I really don’t have time to do homework. I have to stay up late and if I have alot, I have to wake up early in the morning in order to finish it.”

A typical and obvious reason for obtaining a job is for the money. Junior Meghan P., who also works at The Village, said, “I need money for gas and insurance costs. Also, my parents want me to pay for my own things and be in control of my own expenses.” Mickey said, “My original intention of getting a job was to give myself some spending money, but I’ve been making so much that it would be stupid to try and spend it all,” Mickey added, “Most [of the money] is going towards college.”

However, some high school students don’t work just for the money. Sophomore Brynne B. works as a figure skating teacher at The Bog. Brynne said, “Instead of getting money for my work, I exchange it for ice time.” This gives Brynne more time to practice skating herself. Olivia said, “My mom wanted me to have a job,” which most students can relate to. Mike said, “[My job] keeps me really productive. I get to work outside, I make good money, and still get to do what I want for the rest of the day because I get out at 2:30 p.m. every day.”